What Is “The Good Life” And Who Has It?
Categories: Church of Christ Bulletin Articles
The above question has been asked multiple times with multiple answers being given as to what constitutes “the good life.”
Let us consider the following story:
There was once a gentle, quiet man who sought no recognition, who left the care of his life in God‘s hands — one who occupied himself solely with doing God’s will (Matthew 7:21). His was a heavenly perspective (Colossians 3:1-3). As he often reminded his loved ones and friends, “We are but sojourners here” (Hebrews 11:13-16; cf. 1 Chronicles 29:15 ESV; Psalm 39:12 ESV; Psalm 119:19 ESV).
Because of an incurable disease, the man passed away. At his memorial service, friends reminisced over the influence he had left on their lives. Many spoke of his kindness, selfless giving, humility, and gentle compassion. For many, he was a visible expression of God’s unconditional love.
After the funeral service was concluded, the man’s son drove to the assisted-living facility where his father had lived out his final days. He gathered up his dad’s few belongings, which consisted of two pairs of shoes, a few shirts and pants, and a few other miscellaneous items, and delivered them to the church for distribution to the poor.
The man never had what some would consider “the good life,“ but he was rich toward God in good deeds (1 Timothy 6:17-18). Note this contrasting story (Luke 12:16-21).
Scottish author, poet and minister, George MacDonald, once wrote,
“Which one is the possessor of heaven and earth: He who has a thousand houses, or he who, with no house to call his own, has ten at which his knock arouses instant jubilation?” (source).
Did the man in the above story have and live “the good life”?
You be the judge!